Entertainment · Indian Cinema · 17 hrs ago
Bollywood stars increase security after shootings and extortion threats
Shootings and extortion threats targeting Mumbai film figures have prompted Bollywood stars and their families to seek more protection.
Police have linked the latest violence to the gang of Lawrence Bishnoi, a convicted gangster who is in jail.
Incidents include gunfire targeting actor Tiger Shroff’s car in October and an alleged US$600,000 extortion demand against actor Tusshar Kapoor.
Police have arrested 13 people over the October shooting, alleging it was meant to extort money and spread fear.
The incidents recall the 1990s, when criminal gangs used threats and violence to influence film financing, casting and distribution, before police action and corporate financing weakened their grip.
The renewed threats have unsettled the industry, although a former investigative journalist said local Mumbai gangsters do not control the city as they once did.
Shootings and extortion threats targeting Mumbai film stars have prompted Bollywood figures to increase security and hire bodyguards.
Police have linked the latest violence to the gang of Lawrence Bishnoi, a convicted Indian gangster.
In October, gunfire targeted actor Tiger Shroff’s car in Mumbai, and actor Tusshar Kapoor was reportedly targeted with an alleged US$600,000 extortion demand.
Police arrested 13 people under organised crime laws in connection with the shooting and said it was allegedly intended to extort money, establish gang dominance and spread fear.
Author S. Hussain Zaidi said opportunistic criminals were exploiting the notoriety of established gangsters, while arguing that local gangsters do not control Mumbai.
- Who
- Bollywood stars in Mumbai, including Tiger Shroff and Tusshar Kapoor, have faced threats. Police have linked the latest violence to Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang.
- What
- Shootings and extortion threats have led stars and their families to increase security and seek bodyguards.
- When
- The latest incidents include a shooting in October. The articles were published on November 13 and 14, 2026.
- Where
- Mumbai, India.
- Why
- Police linked the latest violence to the Bishnoi gang. Zaidi said opportunistic criminals were exploiting established gangsters’ notoriety.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Laws targeting organised crime were passed as police operations intensified against criminal gangs.
Indian authorities accused gang members of involvement in the killing of politician Baba Siddique.
Gunfire targeted actor Tiger Shroff’s car in Mumbai, and police arrested 13 people in connection with the shooting.
Amitabh Bachchan greeted fans from behind a bulletproof enclosure outside his Mumbai home.
The Straits Times published its report on Bollywood’s increased security.
SCMP published its report on rising fears of criminal gangs in Bollywood.
- Incident
- Gunfire targeted Tiger Shroff’s car in Mumbai in October
- Extortion demand
- US$600,000 allegedly sought from actor Tusshar Kapoor
- Arrests
- 13 people arrested under organised crime laws in connection with the October shooting
- Gang linked by police
- Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang
- Security demand
- Requests for bodyguards have expanded to family members and children
3 sources
What people are saying
Stars are moving around with bodyguards on either side
There has been a sharp increase in demand... Requests have expanded beyond just lead actors to include family members and children.
Some desperadoes are opening fire in the air to scare the industry and spread fear
The only gangster we hear of these days is Lawrence Bishnoi, and even he is in jail, so there is no way that any local Mumbai-based gangster has control over the city